SEARCH NEWS:

 

New Mexico Resort to Dwarf Others

NEW MEXICO – As reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican: "Pojoaque Pueblo Gov. Jacob Viarrial remembers two decades ago when his tribe's annual budget was $50,000.

"Today, he says, the pueblo north of Santa Fe operates with about $100 million a year, including revenues from its Cities of Gold Casino and other business ventures.

"Tuesday afternoon, Viarrial and about 100 other tribal members and guests gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the pueblo's latest project, the four-star Buffalo Thunder Resort, scheduled for completion in about two years in conjunction with the Hilton hotel chain.

"The development, expected to cost more than $200 million, will include the pueblo-style, 386-room Hilton Santa Fe North and 158-unit Homewood Suites by Hilton. Also planned: a new casino, convention center, nightclub, volleyball and tennis courts, swimming pools, a bridal chapel, a spa and a restaurant managed by Mark Miller, whose restaurants include the Coyote Cafe in downtown Santa Fe.

"…Unlike most other tribes that have developed gambling casinos in recent years, Pojoaque has refused to make revenue-sharing payments to the state because it claims the state wants too high of a percentage…"

< Gaming News